Electoral systems
Majority voting (uninominal voting):
In the constituency, the candidate who obtains the absolute majority of votes (more than 50%
of the votes cast) or the relative majority of votes (the most votes) is deemed elected. The votes
cast for the unsuccessful candidates are lost. Consequently, smaller parties will not be
represented.
Proportional representation:
The total of votes cast for a list (party) is decisive for the number of deputies a party will
have. Every vote counts; consequently, also candidates of smaller parties can win seats in
parliament. However, the system of proportional representation is conducive to the formation of
splinter parties and might thus hinder the establishment of clear parliamentary majorities –
especially if there is no restrictive clause.
The
legislation pertaining to Bundestag elections combines an electoral system where votes are
cast for a candidate with a system where votes are cast for a party list. A total of 598 deputies
are elected according to the principles of proportional representation. While 299 deputies are
elected in the constituencies on the basis of first votes cast in a relative majority voting
system, 299 deputies are elected from Land lists on the basis of second votes cast in a list voting
system. The Land lists are fixed lists in the sense that the order of candidates on the lists
cannot be altered by the voter. In addition to the 598 seats, there may be overhang mandates. There
were 16 overhang mandates at the 2005 Bundestag Election.
It may be said that the legislation pertaining to Bundestag elections provides for a two-vote
system as the voter has two votes. Although there may be deviations resulting from the Federal
Elections Act (especially overhang mandates), the second vote is decisive for the distribution of
seats as such, i.e., for the distribution of the 598 deputies. The first vote is cast to elect the
candidate for direct election nominated in the constituency. As a matter of principle, Land lists
submitted by one and the same party are regarded as a combined list in the electoral area so that
better use can be made of the votes obtained when seats are allocated. Bundestag seats are
distributed among the parties represented at federal government level and then among the Land lists
according to the “Sainte-Laguë/Schepers” system.
(Sections 1, 4, 6 of the Federal Elections Act (BWG))
Members of the European Parliament from the Federal Republic of Germany are elected according
to the principles of proportional representation with "rigid" lists; this means that the lists that
cannot be altered. List nominations may be established for each Land (Land list) or as combined
Land lists (federal list). Every voter may cast one vote. Lists may be submitted by political
parties or other political associations. Individuals may not stand for election. The decision of
whether to establish a Land list or a federal list is taken by the executive committee of the
parties or political associations.
(Sections 2, 8 of the European Elections Act (EuWG))
Last update: March 2008
See also:
©2012 The Federal Returning Officer
